***Warnings: Language, bonding
Chapter 9
Zoro and Sanji stood before the High Priest and waited impatiently for his answer. The old man stroked his white beard, his eyes closed, and if he was still in thought. Everything rode on his answer. If yes, they would be going to war. If he answered no, the East would likely have to fight the West and the others.
"My answer is yes, I will join forces with the East,"
Sanji let out the breath he was holding.
"But you are aware that, should we win, it will then be a battle between the East and the West?"
Zoro nodded. "We are aware of that. We want to take out the North and the South because they will attack. It's best to take them out now as a team."
The old man nodded. "I will send a message to the North and South High Priests. I will tell them of our joint military force."
"I will let our High Priest know," Zoro said. "He'll be in touch."
'Stop looking at me, old man!' Sanji said to himself as he lit a cigarette.
"What a handsome omega you have," the old man smiled at Sanji. "Is he for sale?"
Sanji nearly dropped his cigarette. He was too stunned to reply, but Zoro did.
"This is my omega, and he isn't for sale!" Zoro said harshly. "We'll be going now,"
"Ho ho ho, sorry to ruffle your feathers,"
Zoro turned away, and Sanji did the same. Sanji took a long drag of his cigarette.
"See the kind of shit I have to put up with? He didn't ask if you were for sale."
"I never said there wasn't shit you have to put up with,"
"Let's just get out of here before I get kidnapped."
They exited the villa and got to their camels. Zoro didn't want to tell Sanji, but he was looking forward to the battle. He's been getting a little antsy sitting around, though things have been much more lively ever since Sanji came back into his life. They would be going into battle together. He didn't think omegas should be in battle, but he also didn't want to anger Sanji. Zoro knew that Sanji could handle himself on his own, but still... he wanted to keep the omega safe at the villa. He couldn't tell Sanji any of this. When they get back, he will start training Sanji to use a sword.
Their ride back was uneventful, and even though they camped, they didn't have sex. Zoro wanted it, but Sanji seemed to not. In fact, it looked like something was bothering Sanji, and Zoro wanted to know what it was. Whenever he asked, Sanji always said it was nothing and changed the subject.
When they returned to the East Villa, they went straight to the bathhouse to clean themselves of travel. Zoro sank into the warm water, and Sanji sat next to him. The blond lit a cigarette and leaned back in the tub.
"When do you want to start training?" Zoro asked him.
"We'll start tomorrow," Sanji answered. "My back hurts from the camel."
Zoro nodded, then asked, "Are you certain you're alright?"
"I'm fine," Sanji said. "I'm just…" He trailed off. "It's nothing,"
"You need to tell me what's going on,"
Sanji sighed. "Fine. I've never been in a battle before, and it's on my mind."
"Oh, I get it," Zoro said. "Battle is…it's an experience. Some people love battle, and some people are terrified by it. You don't have to come to battle if you feel uncomfortable."
Sanji shook his head. "No, I'm going into battle with you. This is my country too. I don't care if we have a king or not."
"Are you sure you don't want to stay back?" Zoro asked him.
Sanji turned to narrow his eyes at him. "Are you going to say something like omegas don't belong on the battlefield?"
Zoro said nothing; he wasn't sure what to say. That still made Sanji angry, and his teeth gripped around the cigarette.
"So, that's what you really think?"
"I never said that! I'm not going to stop you from coming with me, but…" He didn't want to come right out and tell Sanji that he was worried about him and just wanted him to stay safe. Most omegas would accept that, but Sanji wasn't just any regular omega.
"Screw you, mosshead!"
Sanji said and stood up quickly. He didn't say a word to Zoro while he dried off and got into clean clothing. Zoro didn't have to say that omegas don't belong on the battlefield because his silence said it all. He was so frustrated and angry at Zoro that he needed to get away from the alpha for a bit. In a way, it was thoughtful that Zoro cared so much for him to want to keep him safe, but he still had his pride as a man. Omegas can do anything alpha's can do, and he stood by that.
The one thing that bothered him is how he would react when in battle. Battle can be traumatizing, and he's heard and even seen people who suffered from the acts they've seen in war. Would he end up being like those people? Could he handle being in battle? And it wasn't just an omega thing; alphas can be traumatized, too. It's part of just being a person. But he was still mad at Zoro.
He glanced back over at Zoro and noticed the man was still in the bath. He probably fell asleep. That angered Sanji further. He needed time alone. Whenever he was frustrated, he would either cook or bake. He made his way to the kitchen and chose to bake. He would make a cake for everyone to enjoy.
Zoro finished his bath and got dressed. He knew Sanji was mad at him, but he wasn't sure how to make it up to him. Zoro assumed that just talking to the omega would be enough. He knew Sanji would be in the kitchen, but when he arrived, the cooks said Sanji had already left. Zoro asked them where he went, but they didn't know. The next place he looked was the training arena, but no one had seen Sanji either. It was getting dark, so the last place Zoro looked was Sanji's room.
He knocked on the door and listened to hear if Sanji was in there.
"Go away,"
"It's me, and I won't go away," Zoro tried the knob and the door opened. He stepped inside and saw Sanji lying on the bed, hands behind his head, and a cigarette burning. "We need to talk," He said firmly.
Sanji turned to look at him, said nothing, and returned to looking up at the ceiling.
Zoro closed the door behind him. "If you won't talk, then you'll listen," he said. "I know you're strong, and I know you can fight. But you know how you say alpha's don't know omegas? Well, that's the same for us. You just don't know how an alpha thinks when they have an omega. Their omega getting hurt is a terrible thing, and the alpha will feel their pain tenfold."
Sanji sat up and looked at him. "So, you're saying that you care so much about me that me getting hurt would hurt you more? Is that what you're saying?"
Zoro nodded. "I'm not going to stop you from going into battle. But you do need some training. You can't just use your legs. Although…" Zoro cupped his chin in thought. "I think I have an idea. Usopp can probably make them for you."
"Make what?"
"If your legs and feet are your sole source of power and strength, then we should get boots with blades on them. That way, you have a weapon along with your fighting style."
Sanji smirked. "You know what, that's not a bad idea."
"Yeah. I just thought of it."
Sanji got up and strolled over to Zoro. "I'm…sorry for getting mad," he said, glancing away. "I believe that you only want to keep me safe, but it's just…it's annoying. That's all I can say."
Zoro nodded. "I understand. "I have to send the letter to the High Priest. I'm sure as soon as he receives it, he'll be returning here."
"You do that, and I'll go to the training grounds. I have some pent-up energy to release."
"We start your training tomorrow, so don't wear yourself out too much."
"I'll be sure not to," He pat Zoro on the shoulder and left the room. Zoro followed him out but went the other way.
Zoro had gone to bed early last night, but he was still too tired to get up. The sun shone through the window, and he threw the covers over his head with a grunt. He reached his hand out to the other side of the bed and found that Sanji was still there. The omega came to bed late last night, and Zoro pretended to be asleep. He hadn't expected Sanji to come to his bed after their little tiff.
He lowered the covers just enough to see Sanji's sleeping face. Sanji had both arms under the pillows on his belly, and his head turned to the side. Sanji looked so peaceful. Zoro felt himself get hard at the sight of it; he couldn't hide it to himself anymore, of his omega. He rolled over so he was on top of Sanji. He leaned down and planted a few kisses on Sanji's shoulders. Sanji shifted under him, spreading his legs to make Zoro more comfortable.
***edited for site. Read the full scene on AO3***
"What a wake-up call," Sanji chuckled softly.
"Sorry…I couldn't help myself." Zoro said and pulled out. "And that's what you get for sleeping naked."
Sanji rolled onto his back and flashed him a small, tired smile. "I should get up to help make breakfast,"
"No. Stay here with me, at least for a little bit." Zoro said and rolled off him, laying on his side of the bed. Sanji rolled into him and nuzzled Zoro's neck.
"Fine. A few more minutes."
Zoro could safely assume that Sanji wasn't mad at him anymore. He wrapped his arm around Sanji and buried his nose into the yellow locks. Sanji's scent of sweetness and spice delightfully filled his nostrils. Sanji was his omega, and this scent was all for him. He just had to wait until Sanji was ready to accept a bonding. They already do so much together that Zoro wished he could understand in depth what Sanji was waiting for. Oh well. He would just have to be patient.
After a few peaceful moments, Sanji moved out of his embrace.
"Okay, time for the kitchen. I'll come to the barracks after I'm done."
Zoro sat up. "Yeah, just come whenever you're ready. I have to talk to my warriors about the upcoming war. They'll be excited about it, I'm sure."
Sanji got off the bed and started putting on his clothes. "Are you going to get those shoes with blades made for me today?"
"Yes. In fact, I think I'll visit Usopp first to put the order in. He'll have to make them quickly though, before we run out of time. And I'll have breakfast with my warriors, so no need to send food my way."
"Okay." Sanji was now fully dressed and lit a cigarette. "I'll see you later then," he passed Zoro and gave him a pat on the shoulder.
Zoro went to the smithery and found Usopp asleep in a chair. He raised a brow and went over to the beta male, tapping his shoes with his own. Usopp snorted awake and was startled by Zoro's sudden appearance.
"Geez! You scared me! Don't sneak up on a guy like that!"
"You're sleeping on the job," Zoro pointed out.
"I wasn't asleep! I was resting my eyes,"
"Sure." Zoro rolled his eyes. "Anyway, I have a project for you."
Usopp stood from the chair and stretched. "What can I do for you?"
"I need you to put blades on shoes for Sanji,"
"Huh? Blades on shoes? But why?"
"That's how he fights, with his legs" Zoro told him. "He's going to be coming with me into battle, and I want him to have a weapon of some kind that works well with his fighting style."
"Wait, we're going into battle?!"
"Yes, and likely very soon, but you don't have to worry. Right now, I need you to make those shoes. Sanji's the same size as I am."
"I do have some shoes that would fit him," Usopp said. "Alright! I'll make the best shoe blades for Sanji! Although, do you think it's wise to let an omega go into a fight?"
Zoro shrugged his shoulders. "He can take care of himself. If he wants to fight, it's his own choice."
"Well, okay. I'll get started right away!"
Zoro left the smithery and made his way to the barracks. A lot of his alphas were up and training, while some were still eating their breakfast. He saw Luffy begging the servant serving to give him more food. He shook his head and went over to Luffy, bopping him on the head.
"There has to be enough for everyone!" Zoro reminded him.
"Ow!" Luffy's hands flew to his head. "Why'd you have to hit me?"
"Because you're being a nuisance!" Zoro told him. "Now come with me, I have to talk to you."
"Huh? What about? Whatever it is, I didn't do it!"
Zoro ushered him over to one of the benches and they both sat down. "You might have already heard, but we're teaming up with the West Oasis to attack the North and South, which means we're going to war."
"Alright! I'm ready for some real action!" Luffy cracks his knuckles.
"I'm going to put you in charge of my second legion," Zoro said. "I have a plan that I'll need you to carry out."
"Hurry up and tell me your plan! I'm all ears!"
"You'll be in charge of the flanking maneuver," Zoro said. "We can overwhelm the enemy by blocking them in and ascending. They'll think our army is small, but you'll be coming around the other way. Think you can do this?"
"Ha ha! You know I can! But putting me in charge of the second legion? Looks like I'll be taking your role as king of the mercenaries soon!" He grinned and laughed.
"Not a chance," Zoro smiled at him. "And I'm no king. I'm just good at my job. Oh, and Sanji will be joining in as well. I have Usopp making him shoes with blades on them."
"Shoes with blades? Wow, that's awesome! I want a pair!"
"You have your brass-blade knuckles," Zoro reminded him. "But if you want, go and talk to Usopp. I need them made for Sanji first, though."
Luffy looked at him for a moment and tilted his head. "Something's off with you, I can always tell,"
Zoro snorted and crossed his arms. "I'm fine. I have a lot on my mind."
"Hmm…I bet it's about Sanji going into battle, right?"
Zoro looked at him, surprised. "How did you know?"
Luffy laughed. "I've known you for a long time! I guess you're worried about an omega going into battle. Omegas typically don't get called to war."
"I would rather he stay here, but at the same time, I want him to make his own choices. He's a good fighter and always has been. But the alpha in me wants him to stay safe." Zoro pictured Sanji saying 'goodbye' to him as he rode off into battle and that Sanji would be waiting for him. It was a pleasant little thought, but Sanji would never. Sanji would probably want it the other way around.
"You know what, I'm glad Sanji's going to be helping us," Luffy said. "At least I know you have someone else watching your back," Luffy slapped Zoro a few times on the back. "I can't be everywhere to guard you,"
Zoro always appreciated Luffy's friendship and devotion to him. He knew he could always trust Luffy. He smirked and said, "You know I don't need your help,"
"I know, but you get it anyway, and there's nothing you can do about it. So there!" he said, sticking his tongue out at Zoro and crossing his arms.
Zoro was going to respond, but then he saw Sanji coming over. "I'm training Sanji to use a sword today,"
"Can I help?" Luffy asked.
"No, this is just me and him. I need you working with the other alpha warriors,"
"Sure, will do!"
Sanji walked up to them, hands in his pockets with a cigarette hanging from his mouth. "Well, I'm ready," he said to Zoro. "Morning, Luffy."
"Good morning!" Luffy grinned.
Zoro stood up, his hand resting on the hilt of his blade. "We first need to find you the right sword," he said. "Come with me." He led Sanji to the arsenal and brought him to the sword section. "Pick one out."
"I will, but did you get my shoe order in?" Sanji asked.
Zoro nodded. "Usopp is getting to work on them now, but you still need another weapon. I fight with two swords; you'll fight with one."
"I could fight with two swords!" Sanji protested.
"No, you can't," Zoro said. And it has nothing to do with being an omega. It has to do with skill, training, and time. It took me years to learn how to wield two blades properly. We don't have time for that. Now, pick your sword."
Sanji blew out a puff of smoke and looked over the swords. There were plenty to choose from. He would try to pick a sword like Zoro's. Zoro had a curved blade. Sanji found one that looked similar to Zoro's and picked it up. It had good balance and wasn't too heavy.
"I'll take this one,"
"Good. Now come with me."
They found an empty spot in the arena and began the training. Zoro first showed Sanji some basic techniques, which Sanji caught on to quickly. Sanji said he did have some prior knowledge on sword use, and it showed. They moved on to harder ones, with Sanji striking and swinging at Zoro's swords. Zoro was only fighting with one blade, but he was blocking all of Sanji's moves. Sanji gets frustrated with his inability to strike Zoro, but then he remembers Zoro's been a swordsman for many years, so naturally, Zoro would be better than him.
The training went on for most of the day until both men became exhausted. They stopped to take a water break.
"You did good out there," Zoro said to Sanji.
"I think your teaching skills need a little work, but thanks. I'm more confident with a sword now."
Zoro nodded. "We'll train every day up until the time for battle. Do you think you'll be prepared?"
"I won't know until I find out," Sanji said, lighting up a cigarette. "But I've been fighting off alphas ever since I presented, so I'm not a total stranger to fighting. I've even fought off gangs of alphas."
"This will be much different," Zoro warned him. "There's going to be fighting on all sides, all around you. I think you should stay and fight beside me until you're certain you can go on your own. And you do realize there is a chance that you may die?"
Sanji nodded and blew out a puff of smoke. "Yeah, it's been on my mind, but I don't plan to die anytime soon."
"Good, because I don't plan to die either." Zoro had to admit that he liked training Sanji. Oddly enough, it turned him on. A few times, he just wanted to grab Sanji, throw him to the ground, and mount him. But it was that type of alpha behavior that Sanji hated, so he had tried to keep his focus on the training. "Are you up for another round?"
"My arms are a little sore, but I'll be okay. I can keep going,"
They trained until sunset, and both had worked up an appetite. Sanji left Zoro's side to go to the kitchen to help out with cooking. Zoro went to his room where he sat at his chair and put his feet up. He decided he would take a short nap while waiting for Sanji to bring them their food. But he couldn't nap because he kept thinking about Sanji and how well the omega fought and trained. Luckily, Sanji didn't see or notice his arousal. Sanji would have probably kicked him across the arena.
Seeing Sanji with a sword made him think of the dancers who perform with naked blades. Most women performed sword dances, so Zoro pictured Sanji in one of those skimpy outfits while dancing with a sword just for him. The image wouldn't leave his mind, and his cock had hardened. Sanji would be here soon, so he had to get rid of it. A few solid strokes had him ejaculating in the water closet toilet, and he was just in time, too. He heard his chamber door open.
"Zoro? Mosshead?"
"I'm here," Zoro came out of the water closet. "Smells good."
Sanji smiled and brought their dinner over to the table. "Come have a seat and enjoy. We worked up quite the appetite today, so I made us some mutton with mint jelly and roasted zucchini."
Zoro raised a brow. "Mint jelly?"
"Trust me, you'll like it. It pairs well with the mutton. And I got us some mead as well."
Zoro wasn't a picky eater, but he was curious about the mint jelly. He wasn't much of a mint fan, but Sanji went through the trouble to make it, so he should eat it regardless if it's bad. Sanji poured them both some mead and then took his seat at the table.
"Well, go ahead and try the mint jelly."
Zoro cut off a piece of mutton and dipped it into the mint jelly. He hesitated for a moment, then ate it. He was surprised at how good it tasted! Sanji was a great cook.
"I take it by your expression you're surprised you like it."
"It's really good. I'm not big on mint,"
"You just need to find the proper pairing," Sanji said, starting to eat his own.
They talked about sword training and techniques. Zoro also told Sanji that the High Priest is going to return tomorrow and that he'll probably be in meetings for the rest of the day. Sanji asked if he could join, but Zoro told him that the High Priest was prejudiced against omegas and that it would be best to sit this out. Zoro said he would share all the plans with him later. Sanji's eyebrow twitched in annoyance but he didn't complain, of which Zoro was grateful. After dinner, they went to bed, but Sanji stayed up for a bit, reading a book on cooking. Zoro was already fast asleep.
The next day, the High Priest of the West Oasis returned, and Sanji got to meet him. The High Priest was much younger than Sanji originally thought. The alpha male pretty much ignored him, which was annoying. Sanji had to busy himself with training since he couldn't be in the war meetings. But later in the day, when Zoro was finished, he shared all the information with Sanji. They had a solid battle plan, and Sanji would fight by Zoro's side.
Two days had passed since the High Priest returned, and tomorrow would be when the armies headed out to battle. Sanji's mind was troubled by the war suddenly approaching so fast. He was a little nervous, but who wouldn't be? Maybe Luffy. He also got his blade shoes from Usopp. A pair of blades were fixed into the heels of a pair of low-top boots. Sanji liked them, and he felt stronger when he put them on. But he would still carry a sword.
Sanji decided to take a night stroll in the garden to clear his head. He also brought along a bottle of wine, but he wouldn't let himself get intoxicated. Tomorrow was a big day.
"Here you are," it was Zoro. "I couldn't find you."
"Yeah, I was just taking a walk." He took the cigarette from his mouth and brought the wine bottle to his lips. "Want some?"
"Sure," Zoro takes the bottle and swallows some. "Thinking about tomorrow?"
"Would you believe me if I said 'no'?" Sanji sat on a stone bench, and Zoro joined him.
"It's natural to be nervous about war," Zoro said. "You're not the only person here who feels the same way."
"Yeah, I know." he took a deep drag of his cigarette, creating little 'o's with the smoke. "We fight side-by-side tomorrow."
Zoro nodded. They sat in silence a little bit.
Sanji looked up at the sky and said, "It's a full moon tonight."
Zoro looked up at the moon and nodded. "Yes, we'll have good weather tomorrow."
Sanji took another swig of wine and handed the bottle to Zoro, who also took a sip.
"It's strange to think we may die tomorrow," Sanji started. "I mean, every day is a risk. You could die at any time. But going to war is almost like…seeking death."
"I understand what you're saying," Zoro said. "If you'd rather not come, I won't think any less of you."
"No, I'm coming," Sanji said firmly.
"Alright."
Then, he slid his hand along the bench until it found Zoro's resting on top of his hand. Zoro looked down at the hand covering his, then up to Sanji. Sanji looked like he had something else on his mind and was…blushing? Sanji suddenly cleared his throat and turned his head away.
"Are you alright?" Zoro asked, not moving his hand.
Sanji was embarrassed, but every part of him was screaming at him to mate and bond with Zoro. They could very well die tomorrow, and he would die without ever feeling a bond between alpha and omega. He almost hated himself for suddenly feeling that way, but with death possibly around the corner, it changed his thinking. He wanted to be with Zoro, and nothing else mattered especially their past. They may have been enemies, and their fighting and bickering won't stop, but things are different now. And Sanji wanted all of it.
"Um…so…I've been thinking…" Sanji returned his gaze to Zoro, who was looking at him quizzically. He flushed and said, "I want…I want us to bond tonight."
Zoro felt his heart stop and his breath catch in his throat. Did he hear that right? Sanji wanted…to bond? He had heard right because Sanji was blushing, and he looked so enticing. Zoro instantly felt his pants start to tighten, and he stood up from the bench and pulled Sanji with him. He didn't say a word but guided Sanji back into the villa, where they made for their chamber.
The room was dark and a little chilly. The servants must have forgotten to make the fire. Zoro had to leave Sanji's side to get the fire started, and he told Sanji to light some candles. Sanji asked if they could do it in the dark, but Zoro refused. He wanted to see him, and Sanji blushed at that. Zoro made a large fire, and Sanji lit the candles around the bed.
Sanji didn't turn around, but he heard Zoro walking over to him. He blew out the match, then felt Zoro's arms wrap around his waist from behind. Sanji closed his eyes and leaned back against him. Zoro's hands started to explore his body, stroking over his stomach and chest. The room was still a bit chilly, and Sanji's nipples had perked beneath his tunic. He held in a little gasp when Zoro's hands slid over both of them. Zoro's other hand traveled down to his navel, then stopped at the waistband of his pants. Sanji let out a small moan as both of Zoro's hands slipped under his clothing. One calloused hand rubbed and pinched his nipples while the other massaged the front of his pants. Sanji instantly grew hard, thrusting his hips into Zoro's hand.
Zoro nuzzles the spot on Sanji's neck, where he will bite him later. Sanji's body was responding to his touch, and Zoro couldn't sense any hesitation or fear. The bulge in Sanji's pants was evident. He embraced Sanji with his left hand and moved his right to the seat of Sanji's pants. He pressed the palms of his fingers against the fabric and pushed slightly, touching Sanji's entrance. Sanji moaned and pushed down against his fingers. Zoro started to tenderly stroke the area until he felt the wetness of slick soaking through the pants. Sanji's scent of arousal was strong, and Zoro growled low in his throat. He removed his hand and pressed his cock against the troublesome fabric. The clothing needed to go.
Sanji pulled away from Zoro and took his hand, guiding him over to the bed. Their shadows danced on the wall behind the bed, and Sanji took a moment to admire Zoro's solid, handsome form. The alpha already took off his shirt, showing off his chest and all the scars. Sanji reached out and traced the largest scar with his finger, then moved in to give it a soft kiss. He felt Zoro shudder slightly under his lips. Zoro then took his hand and brought it up to kiss the palm. Sanji watched, aroused, as the shadows cast an eerie, enticing sight on Zoro's body. Even the muscles danced with shadows. Sanji took his hand away from the kisses and removed his tunic, baring his chest to Zoro.
When Zoro watched Sanji remove the tunic, his eyes went straight to the pair of erect nipples. The room was no longer cold, so it was all Sanji's arousal. Arousal only for him. He moved towards Sanji, and the blond pulled him in for a kiss. Sanji deepened the kiss with his tongue, and Zoro did the same. They were both sitting on their knees, and Zoro reached out to pull Sanji into a tight embrace. He felt Sanji's hand stroke the back of his head, holding them in the kiss. Zoro let his hands travel along Sanji's back, down to the dip of his tailbone, and stopped at the hem of the pants.
Zoro broke the kiss and gently guided Sanji onto the bed. He brought his lips to the dip of Sanji's throat, then started to kiss his way down while untying the pants. Sanji arched his hips into him. Zoro continued to remove the pants as he kissed his way down, stopping at the soft patch of dark blond hair. He had to sit up to remove the pants the rest of the way. They had already taken off their shoes when they entered the room.
***edited for site. Read the whole scene on AO3***
Now, they were one. A bonded pair. He belonged to Sanji, and Sanji belonged to him. Zoro regrettably pulled out and lay next to Sanji on the bed. Sanji rolled into Zoro, resting his head on his chest and tucking his blond head under his chin. Zoro wrapped Sanji in another embrace and kissed the top of the omega's head. Sanji let his hand trail and trace the hard muscles of Zoro's chest and belly.
They stayed like that for a few moments until Sanji moved away to lay on his belly and look at Zoro's content, sleepy face. He rested his head on his hand and kicked his feet up.
"So, how does it feel to know you've conquered me when so many others have failed?"
"I didn't 'conquer' you," Zoro said. "You came willingly."
Sanji smiled. "Hm. I did," he got up from the bed and went to his pants to light a cigarette, and returned to Zoro's side. He took a shallow drag of the cigarette. "Wanna share?"
Zoro took the cigarette from Sanji's lips and put it to his own. "I haven't smoked in years," he took a puff and then gave it back to Sanji.
"So…we're a bonded pair now. Don't expect me to be a little housewife omega,"
Zoro folded his hands behind his head. "Yes, I know. You're my equal, although I am better at warfare than you are,"
Sanji growled and flicked Zoro's nose. "Great way to ruin the moment, mosshead!"
"Shitty cook,"
Sanji growled again and attempted to attack Zoro, but the alpha grabbed his wrists and pulled him into another embrace. Sanji tried to escape, but Zoro's hold was just too strong, and yet, somehow, he was still tender. Sanji mumbled and buried his face in Zoro's neck.
"We're already mated, so we should get married, too."
"Married? I don't think we need to do that,"
"Why not?"
"It's…weird. And I would end up being the bride! I have some pride, you know!"
Zoro chuckled and buried his nose in the blond hair. "Of course. We should get some rest. We have a very big day tomorrow."
Sanji nodded and shifted himself so he was snuggling against Zoro. Sanji embraced Zoro, and the alpha did the same. They were a comfortable, tangled mass of limbs. Zoro fell asleep first, and Sanji listed to the man's heartbeat, even and steady. It was lulling him to sleep. He could think clearly now, and he only wanted to mate in case he ends up dead. He didn't regret giving himself fully over to Zoro tonight. Though he was a little worried about tomorrow, he was still able to fall asleep against Zoro. He didn't know what tomorrow would bring.
TBC
